Supraventricular Arrhythmias

Abstract

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVTs) include atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), AV reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), atrial tachycardia (AT), atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), and sinus tachyarrhythmias. They are common clinical problems in men and women, but there are significant sex-based differences in the incidence and prevalence of the various SVTs. In the general population, the relative risk of paroxysmal SVT is higher for women than for men. Paroxysmal SVT without underlying cardiovascular disease is particularly more common among women. While the most common diagnosis for both women and men is AVNRT, the incidence of AVRT is much higher among men than among women. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical presentation, general evaluation, management, and outcomes of SVT in women by focusing on AVNRT, AVRT, AT, AFL, and sinus tachyarrhythmias. Junctional tachycardia is also briefly summarized.